The transfer experience: a home within a home

Abby Estrada-Hernandez is a senior majoring in gender & women's studies. During the Spring of 2024, Abby participated in the Illinois in Washington program, where she had the opportunity to intern under the Digital Strategy Office. Abby serves in the Office of the Student Trustee, working on the Impact Event Team, supporting various RSOs on campus, and creating dynamic events to help students. Her leadership experience also includes being a co-marketing chair for Latinx in Law, and serving as President of Ignite UIUC. Additionally, she is involved in the Society of Women in Public Affairs, Kappa Alpha Pi, and ALFPA.

Coming from a small liberal arts college of 2,000 students to a top university of more than 40,000 students, nothing could have prepared me for the adjustment of being a transfer student.

It was intimidating at first. To enter a space where I felt like I had to relive the freshman experience—learning new platforms, figuring out new bus routes, and finding my place in a sea of student organizations. However, despite the initial nervousness, transferring didn’t mean starting over completely. Instead, it became an opportunity to grow, explore, and redefine my college experience.

I made the best of my years on campus by welcoming any opportunity that came my way. By participating in different registered student organizations and even study-away programming, such as the Illinois in Washington Program, I’ve built meaningful connections and gained valuable leadership experience. I’ve discovered that even in a larger environment, there are ways to carve out your community—a home within a home.

It doesn’t have to be scary, so I’m here to help. Whether navigating campus resources, finding the right club, or simply adjusting to a new routine, you’re not alone in this journey. The transfer experience is what you make of it, and with the proper support, it can be just as enriching as any other college experience.

Here are some tips that have helped me as a transfer student both inside and outside the classroom:

1. Just show up!— As a transfer student who did not live in university housing, I tended to feel more isolated when finding a community. However, the university and different clubs offer a lot of programming that allows students to find a community! Even if you are slightly interested in the topic or event, don’t hesitate to join in! You never know who you’ll meet, or what opportunities might come. Some of my best experiences on campus have been just by attending a new event! Sometimes, the hardest part is getting there, but being present is half the battle. Don't be afraid to show up by yourself! If anything, I learned that students on campus are open to meeting new people if you just introduce yourself.

2. Step out of your comfort zone—This leads me to my next point. Being a new person can be daunting, and I recommend going outside of your comfort zone and putting in the extra steps. This can look like introducing yourself to someone new, asking questions, staying curious, and being open to making new connections. The more you interact with extracurricular programming as well as during classes, the more valuable your experience will be. Try something new, whether speaking up in a discussion, joining a new activity, or taking on a leadership role. There are over 1,000 RSOs on campus, and you will find plenty of organizations that cater to your interests.

3. Take advantage of resources—Use any available mentorship programs, workshops, or online materials to enhance your skills and knowledge. When I initially transferred, I was not prepared for the amount of essays I would have to write every week. This led me to find one of my favorite resources on campus, the Writer's Workshop, which has helped me with my essays for class and even job applications! Whether you are seeking your next internship opportunity or looking for a job on campus, there are various resources available to prepare you for your next step.

4. Stay open-minded. It is not about the destination, but rather the journey. Be open and willing to learn from different perspectives and experiences. Growth happens when you embrace the unexpected. Be open to new experiences and be willing to say “yes” next time a new opportunity arises.

These tips have helped me become more involved on campus and discover my interests in life after graduation. Through my involvement, I realized that no club was dedicated to uplifting women in political and civic spaces. This inspired me to start my own organization on campus called Ignite UIUC! We have hosted events on civic engagement, and welcomed prominent political leaders, including Lauren Underwood, to speak with us. Additionally, many campus resources have helped me develop my professionalism. The skills and experience I gained allowed me to strengthen my internship applications, leading to opportunities such as interning at Target headquarters and even at the White House through the White House Internship Program!